The summer sun is beating down on a deliriously lovely tongue of white sand, warming our bare feet. We walk the mile-long half-moon shaped beach; the turquoise waters roll ashore at a relaxing rhythm. It’s easy to imagine we are visiting an atoll somewhere in the South Pacific, but no. We are one mile north…

The belts that provide life support to your engine’s accessories, the alternator, auxiliary alternator, raw water pump, and circulator pump will typically provide reliable, trouble-free service, provided they are properly maintained and replaced on a regular schedule. Many boaters neglect this all too important system. A broken belt is always bad news because when it…

Have you ever looked at the Waggoner Cruising Guide cover and wondered, “Is there a story behind the boat?” We are happy to share the story of the quintessential setting of the sailboat in a secluded cove on the cover of the 2017 Waggoner Cruising Guide. Waggoner Cruising Guide Cover Story – S/V Misty She is…

Suffering from a bad case of cabin fever, Arlene and I were in serious need of a spring boat trip, but the weather was predicted for more of the same – overcast sky, 20 to 25 kt. wind. So, with a few hours of break in the wind, we jumped aboard Easy Goin’ and set…

An Aspen C120 is about to embark on an epic journey. This 40′ Proa Catamaran will cruise over 10,000 miles from Washington state to Annapolis, Maryland. David and Sue Ellen Jenkins – the proud owners of the brand new Aspen C120 Knot Wafflen’ – have teamed up with Captain Blake Eder and Larry Graf, founder of Aspen Power Catamarans,…

The only bad news about a Virgin Islands charter vacation is that at some point it ends. Because time seems to fly by so quickly, I always recommend a nine to ten-day charter (minimum) in the Caribbean. Why? It takes one to two days at the start of the trip to slow down and re-learn…

Cruising northwest in Orcas Island’s East Sound, the white Moran Mansion of Rosario Resort & Spa comes into view off in the distance and grows larger as you approach. The grand century-old mansion turned hotel resort was built as the private residence of Seattle shipbuilder and two-time Seattle mayor Robert Moran. Located approximately 80-miles north…

This summer, it will be easier for boaters to explore Tacoma’s Point Defiance with the NEW Downtown to Defiance trolley route. Service on this route will run from June 2 through September 3, 2017. The hours have not be finalized, but most likely will be Friday thru Sunday from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm, every 30 minutes.…

A floatplane flight can take you from Seattle or Renton directly to your boat in 3 to 4 hours. It is painful to hear someone or a cruising couple say “We are going to hold off on a long trip this summer. We have too many obligations at home, or with family.” I have the…

Need a little color and flair in your life? What about a tour through history, or a chance to see birds up close? Maybe, you are like me and after a dreary winter need a serious jolt of some mind-blowing electricity? If so, plan to cruise to Bellingham, WA. On my recent trip to the Hotel…

In the spring we are all in a rush to get the boat in the water, and it’s tempting to launch the boat or paint the bottom and get back to cruising again. But, to do so without a thorough hull inspection can be an invitation for trouble. Begin your hull inspection by checking for…

During Part 3, we started our trip by flying down to the British Virgin Islands from Seattle, preparing, provisioning and taking off from the MarineMax base at Hodges Creek on the island of Tortola. We checked out our beautiful MarineMax 443 powercat with all the bells and whistles and plenty of lounging and entertainment space.…

Cruisers College May Seminars 2017 Marine Electrical Troubleshooting, Design & Installation with Lars Antonsen Saturday, May 13, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $95 Register here. Cruisers College will take you through the ins and outs of a boat’s electrical systems. There is plenty of information every boat owner should know about these critical systems, whether…

With the immense wealth of memorable and enjoyable cruising destinations within The San Juan Islands, it can be difficult to narrow down to which island to visit. But our decision was made easy when Arlene, suggested someplace peaceful and scenic, with hiking and plenty of wildlife. It still didn’t narrow our choices too much, and…

When I talk to cruisers and their First Mates, one of the key concerns they have is avoiding bad weather. The truth is – there is so much weather information out there, you should have enough to make a go or no-go decision, even when Mother Nature throws you a curveball. Interpreting the Weather In the…

When you think about cruising the Inside Passage do you ever ask yourself these questions? Will the weather be okay? Will it get worse while we are out there? What if I get sick while out on the water? Will I get sea sick? What if we hit a log, or, worse, what if we…

With a refreshing glass of sparkling water in hand, I walk out onto my room’s private balcony at the Hotel Bellwether. It’s a typical Pacific Northwest March day with gray clouds and a little rain. From this lofty nook, I see the shifting waters of Bellingham Bay, joggers and dog walkers strolling along the Squalicum Promenade,…

The British Virgin Islands – Getting There After planning for months, it was finally time to fly to the Virgin Islands, get to the boat, board, provision, get underway and unwind. Oh yesssss. For our crew, the big challenge was the transition from our busy lives to settling in for a relaxing British Virgin Islands vacation.…